Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
Sweet orange (Citrus x sinensis) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rutaceae family, native to Southern China and Southeast Asia (ancient hybrid of pomelo and mandarin). It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Sweet orange at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit, zest, flowers |
| Native to | Southern China and Southeast Asia (ancient hybrid of pomelo and mandarin) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇨🇳 China, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇦🇷 Argentina |
Is Sweet orange toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, peel, seeds
Essential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, drooling or depression in pets; the flesh is safe for people.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Sweet orange
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With the Rutaceae family: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Citrus greening (HLB): Spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, which also breeds on curry leaf (Murraya). Evidence B
- Xylella fastidiosa: Insect-spread bacterium (EU quarantine pest) hitting olive, lavender, rosemary, oleander, Prunus and citrus. Evidence B
Questions about Sweet orange
- How far apart should I plant Sweet orange?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Sweet orange need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sweet orange need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Sweet orange?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Sweet orange flower?
- From about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Sweet orange poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Essential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, drooling or depression in pets; the flesh is safe for people.
- What grows well with Sweet orange?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sweet orange. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- UC IPM degree-day models and pest notes, University of California
Notes and assumptions
- Grafted tree on standard rootstock; fruit damaged at about −2 °C, wood at about −5 °C. Dwarf trees suit containers.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia
- Grapefruit Citrus x paradisi